Indian yoga teacher jailed for molesting Singapore student
An Indian teacher in Singapore was sentenced to nine-month jail and fined S$1,000 today for allegedly molesting a student in April 2015. Rakesh Kumar Prasad gave lessons at Real Yoga's Tampines Grande studio in Singapore. The victim, an assistant manager, was 25 years old at the time of the incident and was touched inappropriately during a private lesson.
In lieu of teaching pose, teacher touched her inappropriately
Reportedly, on April 26, 2015, Rakesh slipped his hand inside the woman's bra while teaching her a pose. After the class ended at 1:15, he forcefully grabbed the back of her neck. Rakesh's sentence was awarded after a 12-day trial. The police prosecutor sought a 12-month-jail term, and three strokes of a cane. However, Rakesh's lawyer Steven Lam urged the court to show leniency.
Students, colleagues testify for accused's character
Steven Lam produced over 50 testimonies from students, colleagues and bosses, speaking wonderful things about Rakesh. Real Yoga's CEO Saumik Bera said Rakesh put his heart into teaching yoga, and he never received any complaints from students. In his argument for leniency, the lawyer said Rakesh did not leave the country even when he could.
Laws in Singapore: How the country treats molestors
The sentence for molestation in Singapore is up to two years in prison, fine and caning. The sentence for using criminal force is three-months' jail and a fine up to S$1,500.
